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GREENFIELD, IN visiting ourwebsite: PERMIT NO. 67 May 2014 homes or none at all! Well, our homes ornoneatall!Well,our could evenendupowningtwo compromise yourbottomline.You or youcouldbeforcedtoselland time withoutanacceptableoffer sitting onthemarketforalong because yourhomecouldendup the wrong real estate agent is risky or trytosellityourself.Hiring whether tohirearealestateagent when sellingahomeisdeciding the plananditflatoutworks! condo orluxurymansion,theplanis varies, whetheryouhaveasmaller and salessystemthatitNEVER so confidentinourmarketingplan productive marketingplan.Weare is after years of perfecting the most able toofferthisexclusiveprogram comfortable andconfidentinbeing on togetthedetails! will getyourhomesoldor…..read Program and marketing planthat have developedaGuaranteedSale transactions. Toconveythis,we people weservethantherealestate Our entireteamismoreaboutthe goals inasmooth,timelymanner. and expert staff to get you to your employ ourstrategies,marketing supporting yourrealestategoalsand newest billboard.Wetrulybelievein eyes peeledandcheckoutour seen ourfaces.Ifnot,keepyour last fewweeks,youhaveprobably interstate 494athighway55inthe by Kerby&CristinaSkurat Worried YourHouseWon’tSell? Smart HVAC/Page 3 One of the biggest dilemmas One ofthebiggestdilemmas The onlywaywecouldfeel If you’ve driven north on GUARANTEED SOLD “AS SEENONINTERSTATE494ATTHECROSSING OFHIGHWAY55” Buyer’s Corner/Page 5 most moneythemarketwillbear. own your home, but to sell it for the typical investor,ourgoalisNOTto available forallhomes.Unlikethe limitations andthisprogramisnot your choice.Obviously, there are we will buyit or sellitforfree– time frameacceptabletoyou,or your presenthomeatapriceand written guaranteethatwewillsell our team,youmayreceive dilemma. Guaranteed SaleProgramsolvesthis that we do. that wedo. country getthekindofresults estate agentsintheentire why only1%ofreal explains which homes, clients’ our marketing that wedoin to thelengths of agentsgo Less than1% the country. estate teamsin the topreal to beamong Estate Experts Cristina Real Kerby and marketing strategieshasenabled to continuallydevelopingnew marketing plan.Acommitment have developedaresultsdriven Guaranteed SaleProgram,we OUR MARKETINGPLAN When you list your home with When youlistyourhomewith In order to support our In ordertosupportour INSIDE THIS ISSUE:MAY 2014 Travel/Page 8 test-drive our marketing plan for test-drive ourmarketingplanfor we consistentlynegotiateabetter of CertifiedNegotiationExperts, and formoremoney.Withourteam its marketabilityandsellingitfaster demand foryourhomebyboosting photography we increase the attractive stagingandprofessional the most innovative technology, home apartfromtherest.Using negotiation strategiestosetyour We putintoplacepre-emptive starts beforeyouevengetanoffer. • • • marketing communication: We focusonthreemainchannelsof purpose…getting yourhomesold! steps thataregearedtowardsone about EXPOSUREandincludes buyers 7daysaweek! our teamtopromoteyourhome buy homebuyers.Youcancounton our poolofpre-approved,ready-to- marketing plancontinuouslyfeeds home. Ourpowerfulinnovative convincing themtolookatyour potential buyersortheiragentsand near aseffectivecontacting come tous)areNOTanywhere selling (i.e.waitingforbuyersto

gives homeowners the chance to gives homeownersthechanceto reach) Word of mouth (unlimited over 900nationalwebsites) Online Advertising(postedto 22,500 homeseverymonth) Print Advertising(reachingover 80% of your home negotiation 80% ofyourhomenegotiation Our pro-activemarketingisall Traditional passivemethodsof easy-exit listing agreement that easy-exit listingagreementthat sale price for your home, often sale priceforyourhome,often Drive Program,” which is an Drive Program,”whichisan than our competition. than ourcompetition. price andinlessmarkettime coming within1%ofasking our InnovativeMarketing we also offer a “30-Day Test we alsooffera“30-DayTest Program mentioned above, Program mentionedabove, We are so confident in We aresoconfidentin Restaurant Review/Page 9 guarantees to guarantees to that we offer that weoffer Guaranteed In addition In addition our clients. our clients. Sale incredible incredible to the to the Plan, Plan, Your Investment!Goto: to MaximizetheReturnon Innovative MarketingStrategies assistance, 763-550-9800. programs pleasecallusforimmediate for oneofourguaranteedsale information ortoseeifyouqualify feature listingsweresold. paper and see how fast two of our execution, gotothe back pageofthe As proof ofourmarketing plan your specifichomefortopdollar. marketing planandresourcestosell of howweapproachtailoringa will receiveadetaileddescription KerbyandCristina.com. You Home byemailingusatOffice@ Innovative MarketingforYour back itupinwriting. zero risktoournewclientsandwe free togoelsewhere.Thismeans blown awaybyourservice,they’re 30 days.Ifthey’renotcompletely www.PlymouthValues.com. free consultation! 550-9800 to schedule your Simply giveusacallat763- from Plymouth’sexperts. no-obligation homevaluation start bygettinganaccurate, this istherighttimeforyou, what youwanttodoorif plus. Ifyouaren’tsureexactly before schoolstartswouldbea the righthome,butbuying flexibility onclosingdatesfor you! Ourbuyerscouldhave one in,we’dlovetotalkwith a masterbath,orroomtoput and growingfamilies. many firsttimehome-buyers walk-through, isappealingto master bath,oratleasta convenience andprivacyofa house withamasterbath.The are lookingfora3bedroom buyers. Severalofourbuyers becoming moreofapriorityto by Kerby&CristinaSkurat Bath Homes 3 BedsWith are inHigh Choose a Strong Team with If youwouldlikemore Request Kerby and Cristina’s If youhaveahomewith Today’s trendsare Demand! Master Just for Fun/Page 11

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DP# 12873 SPORTS MLS Proves Naysayers Wrong as It Begins 19th Season by Michelle Kaufman power in Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. So much for the naysayers The Galaxy has won two back in the late 1990s who MLS Cups the past three thought Major League Soccer seasons, and Donovan is on (MLS) didn’t have staying pace to become the league’s power. Here we are, entering all-time leading scorer. season No. 19, with exciting Portland and Real Salt Lake expansion teams in New York are the other favorites in the and Orlando set to begin West. In the East, look for in Year 20—and plans for New York and defending a David Beckham team in champion Kansas City to be Miami a few years after that. the teams to watch. Under commissioner Don Kansas City, under the Garber, the league is stable impact on their teams—and coach Jurgen Klinsmann will direction of coach Peter and growing. A recent survey their jerseys surely will be fan open camp in mid-May. The Vermes, looks just as strong found that MLS tied Major favorites. team will play three send-off as last year—maybe stronger League Baseball for popularity The Sounders averaged games against Azerbaijan May with the addition of winger Sal among U.S. sports fans aged 44,038 fans last season, proof 27 in San Francisco, against Zizzo, acquired in a trade with 12-17 with 18 percent calling that if done correctly, MLS Turkey on June 1 in New Portland. Zizzo, 26, spent a themselves “avid” MLS fans. teams can draw huge and York and against Nigeria on few years at Hannover in the Only 9 percent said they were passionate crowds. June 7 in Jacksonville, Florida. German Bundesliga earlier in NHL fans. The NFL still rules Just like four years ago, this Once the World Cup is his career and is expected to with teens at 38.8 percent, season will be interrupted in over, MLS fans can refocus on have a huge impact on the and the NBA isn’t far behind the summer for the World some of the top storylines. team. at 30.11. Cup. And the first three Former Premier League Kansas City also has Graham But MLS is right there months of the season won’t forward Jermain Defoe is Zusi of the U.S. national team, with baseball, and that says really have everyone’s full now in Toronto. American who will most certainly spend something. attention because all that Maurice Edu is back from the much of his summer in Brazil Toronto FC’s offseason matters to soccer fans this year Premier League and playing but will be back in plenty of signing of U.S. national is the World Cup, which is for Philadelphia. Some young time to help his MLS team team star midfielder Michael why the MLS really should coaches, including former reach the playoffs. Bradley is huge news for consider adopting the same Miami Fusion player Pablo Despite the World Cup the league. And the Seattle schedule as the rest of the Mastroeni at Colorado, will distractions, and loss of Sounders’ earlier acquisition of world. get to prove themselves. megastar Beckham, there is U.S. forward Clint Dempsey The top U.S. players in the And veteran coach Bruce plenty to watch for this MLS from the English Premier MLS will be preoccupied in the Arena continues to be a force season. n League is also a step in the coming months, as the United out West with the L.A. Galaxy. right direction. Both will States plays an exhibition Even with the retirement of © 2014 Distributed by McClatchy- be expected to have a huge against Mexico in April. Then, Beckham, the team has star Tribune Informatio n Services ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Two Family-Friendly Movies from ‘Modern Family’ Star by Rick Bentley much smaller brother as a domineering boss He had always wanted to do voice work, Burrell feels like he’s having one of those great to a very naive and innocent character played but he couldn’t break into that world. He moments he doesn’t want to forget. rom the balcony of his room at the by Burrell. He smiles and says that character admits that it isn’t a coincidence that as soon “Not that you aren’t always feeling grateful, Beverly Hilton Hotel, Ty Burrell can eventually grew up to be his “Modern Family” as “Modern Family” became a hit, he started but in times like this you have to take a beat to see two young girls darting across the character of Phil Dunphy. getting calls to do voice work for TV shows be consciously grateful and be really mindful F n traffic-filled Wilshire Boulevard. His attention For “Muppets Most Wanted,” Burrell like “Doc McStuffins” and the upcoming of how lucky this is,” Burrell says. is drawn away from talking about his work in called on the “Pink Panther” films he watched feature film “Finding Dory.” “Muppets Most Wanted” until it’s clear the growing up to find the right level of silliness to Between family, a successful TV show © 2014 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune girls have safely crossed the street. play the French detective. and two movies in theaters at the same time, Information Services It’s that paternal instinct that drives “There is a very conscious nod to Clouseau Burrell’s life these days. Not only is he the in this,” Burrell says. “James Bobin, our Ricky Gervais co-stars father to two girls, but he stars in the top director, was very clear from the beginning with Burrell in “Muppets network TV comedy “Modern Family.” And that this is meant to be a sort of collection of Most Wanted.” his latest work includes the family friendly French characters and other French inspectors. Muppets movie and the voice of the talking But, there was no way to play a French dog inventor in the animated “Mr. Peabody detective with a pencil-thin mustache and not and Sherman.” be ripping off Clouseau to a degree. In “Muppets Most Wanted,” Burrell “I was lucky because Jim told me that this plays a French detective who tries to unravel is the Muppets so anything goes. Just have as the mystery behind a series of break-ins at much fun with the character as I want.” museums that happen to be at the same Family duties don’t let up just because location where the Muppets are performing. Burrell’s in the middle of promoting the Even Burrell’s connection to the Muppets movie. He receives a text from his former “Out is a family matter. of Practice” co-star, Christopher Gorham, to “The first time I can remember seeing the arrange a playdate for their kids. Muppets was watching the TV series. My The way both “Out of Practice” and “Back first memory of the show is my dad laughing To You” were canceled so quickly almost at Statler and Waldorf. I remember my ears turned Burrell off to television. He couldn’t perking up at my dad laughing and thinking I understand how he could be part of two shows have to really pay attention to this because he with such strong casts and support from the thinks this is funny,” Burrell says. critics that didn’t survive. It was “Modern The first time Burrell tried to make Family” that restored his faith. Not only did people laugh was when he and his younger the series show him a good show could last, brother would do comedy bits for the family. the award-winning ABC series also opened up Generally, it was the same two characters—his a lot of opportunities for Burrell. 2 HOME IMPROVEMENT Smart Thermostat Sales by James Osborne on wasteful heating and cooling when no one’s there. ctor Matthew Add in user-friendly interfaces McConaughey hawks that can be controlled via A a device in television smartphone and deals with utilities commercials in a folksy twang. to automatically adjust thermostats Power utilities are signing exclusive in power shortages, and the devices deals with manufacturers. Online are purported to reduce electricity tech forums are awash in discussions bills by as much as 20 percent. over different devices’ virtues. While adoption has yet to hit Heat Up More than five years after critical mass, there is plenty of smart thermostats were introduced speculation about what widespread number of customers that would willing to let the temperatures in day in order to program it,” said as an easy-to-use alternative to adoption would mean for the be involved. their homes go up a few degrees Dan Sanchez, a software developer the current programmable models, power grid. But the devices, if coordinated in shortages. One day last August, in Prosper, Texas. manufacturers are reporting In Texas, during the hottest part by utilities, could be ordered to CPS shed more than 21 megawatts The Nest thermostat “has triple-digit sales increases. The of a summer day, air conditioning raise the thermostats of willing through the program, enough worked really good so far. At first thermostats are pitched as the next can double the electrical load on customers en masse. to power more than 6,000 U.S. we let it learn our habits, and when “it” device and a revolutionary step the grid, straining power plants NRG Energy already has such homes on an average day. we leave the house it doesn’t keep in getting households to better and potentially leading to rolling a program on a limited scale with “There are a lot of success the system on as much. And if manage their electricity use. blackouts. Getting households to manufacturer Nest. CPS Energy stories out there on residential you’re going to be home early, you Parks Associates, a Dallas participate in organized cutbacks in San Antonio has distributed demand-response, mostly in the can use the iPhone app to turn it market research firm, estimates in such times, as industrial plants similar power-management devices Northeast and California,” said on before you come back home.” about 1 in 10 U.S. homes with a and big-box stores do, has proved to more than 15,000 customers Paul Wattles, senior analyst with None of the manufacturers broadband connection now owns a difficult by virtue of the sheer the Electric Reliability Council of would disclose sales data. But smart thermostat. That has driven Probably the best-known device is Nest. Developed by two Texas, the state’s grid operator. analysts say other companies what is now an $86 million-a-year “It’s something we’re very leading the charge are Canadian former Apple executives, Nest was introduced in 2011 global market, which may grow to interested in. That’s where the brand Ecobee and Honeywell, the $1.4 billion by 2020, according to megawatts are.” giant of the thermostat business. a report published late last year by Probably the best-known Competition to get smart Navigant Research. device is Nest. Developed by two thermostats in homes is fierce. “Six (million) to 8 million former Apple executives, Nest was In Texas, for example, Honeywell thermostats are sold annually, introduced in 2011 at the jaw- and Nest have signed exclusive and in the future a larger and dropping price of $400. Some deals with electricity retailers larger portion of those are going traditional thermostats sell for less Direct Energy and Reliant to give to be smart,” said Tom Kerber, than $50. consumers free devices in exchange director of energy research for Nest has since lowered its for signing two-year power Parks Associates. “Think about price to $250 and is estimated to contracts. automatic door locks. They used sell about 50,000 units a month, In 2012, Honeywell sued to be only on Cadillacs. But it according to Forrester Research. Nest on patent infringement, moved down to the lower-tier cars. Its simple design and claiming the startup stole some And now you can’t buy a car functionality have proven a big of its technology and the design without automatic locks.” hit with users—not to mention of a shower thermostat produced With more than two dozen piqued the interest of Google Inc., by Kohler. Nest has denied models available, smart thermostats which bought Nest, based in Palo the allegations, and the case is vary in features. But the basic Alto, Calif., for $3.2 billion in awaiting trial in federal court in principle is a wall-mounted January. New Jersey. n thermostat that, through sensors “Before with the old thermostat, and algorithms, learns the patterns I had to write stuff down and © 2014 Distributed by McClatchy- of a home’s occupants to cut down remember what I did the previous Tribune Information Services ON THE HOMEFRONT

Renovate for PLEASURE Publisher Kerby & Cristina Skurat Not RESALE by Ilyce Glink and We recently saw a home that was extensively sure they’ll still appeal to buyers. A well-designed Samuel J. Tamkin renovated by its owners, but those upgrades were and decorated home generally will always sell so particular and odd that the home’s interior is better than other homes. Your goal is to balance Q: We recently purchased a home that is worse now than before the owners took over. resale potential with your own taste. If you do large for our growing family. Although the This particular owner decided to cover an entire that, you should be able to update your home, home is beautiful, the bedrooms, bathrooms and bathroom with a large mirror, pale pink marble enjoy the upgrades and still have a beautiful Each office independently owned and operated. kitchen are outdated. I really want to update and small white bathroom cabinets. The end home down the line to sell when you decide to Not intended as a solicitation if you are under contract with another agent them and I have the resources to do so. result is a bathroom that most people walk into downsize. 2605 Campus Drive Should we wait at least five to 10 years to and want to walk out of almost immediately. We think it would be a mistake to wait Plymouth, MN 55441 do the updates (to keep it looking fresh) as we They also put in a new kitchen and added a until you are close to moving to renovate the Licensed Agent in MN may want to downsize when kids move out in rear entertainment room. But these homeowners home. You should also know that many home the future or take the risk of updating now but decided to move the existing kitchen of the renovations don’t give back to the homeowner having it look dated 15 to 20 years down the home to a side portion of the home where the the amount of money they put into the home. So 763-550-9800 line? kitchen no longer had any logical flow. Even if you put $10,000 into upgrading the home, in www.KerbyandCristina.com though the kitchen has newer appliances, the most cases, you shouldn’t expect to get $10,000 A: Our first thought is that you should take kitchen seemed to have been located in leftover more when you sell. Knowing that, if you spend advantage now of your ability to update the space on the first floor of the home. The odd the $10,000, make sure you enjoy it for many home and enjoy it. You intend to live in the design and layout of the kitchen turns buyers off. years to come. home for quite some time. Why not enjoy the These changes and other odd designs have Certainly, investors that are buying homes home to the fullest extend and update it? You kept the home unsold for the last several years. to upgrade will find the right home at the right 6427 Busch Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43229 don’t know what styles will be like in the future, We also know of a homeowner who took a price and will put in just enough money to allow 877.872.3080 • www.DiscoverPubs.com and any updating you make to the home years four-bedroom single family house and turned them to make a profit. But most homeowners Sudoku, Scrabble, Pet World, before you sell may not be to the liking of some it into what is essentially a one-bedroom home shouldn’t expect to get back what they put into Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen, etc. distributed by of your potential buyers. with a small maid’s quarters. Whoever buys their homes. However, what they can get is the Tribune Media Services. Before you go crazy, we recommend that the property is likely going to have to spend full use and enjoyment of an upgraded home. n you consider carefully which improvements you hundreds of thousands of dollars de-converting © Copyright 2014 by want to make and not personalize the home in a it back to a standard four-bedroom house. © 2014 Distributed by MtcClatchy-Tribune Discover Custom Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. way that will diminish its value. So as you consider your renovations, make Information Services 3 SELLER’S CORNER Home Seller Obliged to Clean House for Buyers

By Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin sellers during stressful times. And court to get your $400, and the Had the buyers not purchased the contract. buying, selling and moving into a buyer might have the right to sue the refrigerator from you, they We wonder if the buyer would Q: I sold my home last month, new home are quite stressful events you back for the cost of cleaning up would have still been quite angry have gone down this route if you and the buyers agreed to let me stay for both buyers and sellers. Buyers the mess you left behind. (And it with you for the way you left the had not sold the refrigerator to in the home for free for two days and sellers might be happy to sell might come up in the proceedings home -- you just wouldn’t have them. If you talk to them and offer after the closing date. or buy, but the logistics and the that you were allowed to stay in known it. Some contracts and some to reimburse them for the cost of When I was moving out of the changes undertaken by the parties your home for free for two days post-closing possession agreements cleaning the home and offer your home, one of the buyers asked if I often induce tremendous stress. after the closing.) that allow sellers to retain possession sincere apology, the buyers might be still wanted to sell my refrigerator. Up until the last line of your We’d recommend that you of a home after the closing give the willing to give some of the money I had earlier offered it to the buyers email, we would have said that the apologize to the buyers and ask buyer the right to sue the seller for back to you. and they had declined to buy it. I buyer has an obligation to pay you them what they paid to clean the damage caused to the home by the Otherwise, as most people know, agreed to sell it to them for $400, the money he owes you—and he home. You might suggest that they seller or for the seller’s failure to you don’t deliver goods to a buyer a price quite a bit lower than used probably still does. But that last line pay you a portion of the $400 deliver the home to the buyer in the unless you’ve received payment. n refrigerators were advertised on the in your question seems to imply after they deduct that cleaning cost condition required under Web. The buyer didn’t have his that they should bear the burden and leave it at © 2014 Distributed by checkbook and agreed to pay me the of your move and stress; that they that. Tribune Media Services following Saturday. are somehow responsible for you On that Saturday, I called him undertaking a move out of your and was told they didn’t feel like home and your obligation to pack they owed me the money because up and be out of the home as you they had to hire cleaners to clean agreed. out the home after I moved out. And yes, you still had the They knew I only had one day to obligation to clean the home -- not move out of a 2,500 square foot make them clean up after you. home and we cleaned the best we You say you cleaned the best could. Can they do this? you could, but you didn’t say that you actually did clean the home and A: They did do that. We leave it clean as you should have. generally tell sellers that they should You could have hired people to help leave a home for a buyer in the clean the home for you. You could condition they would want to have called on friends or family to receive it. Many real estate contracts help you out. But you didn’t. Your require sellers to leave a home in question seems to imply that you “broom clean condition.” That probably didn’t leave the home in means that sellers should sweep up the shape you should have left if after themselves, clear out closets, for them. shelves and cabinets, take everything And now you have out of the refrigerator, throw out all a problem because, the garbage and leave the home thanks to a lack of presentable. goodwill on your We generally go a little further part (leaving a in our advice. For the sake of clean house), goodwill during a purchase and sale they’re hardly transaction, the seller should want inclined to help you to make the buyer feel good about out. the purchase. That goodwill goes You can sue the quite a long way to help buyers and buyer in small claims

4 BUYER’S CORNER 7 Good Reasons for a Mortgage Refinance by Angie Hicks

oes a new home loan make sense? There are at least seven reasons Dto refinance a mortgage. You probably can think of the first one— to get a lower mortgage rate. The average interest rate on an outstanding mortgage at the beginning of 2012 was 5.098 percent, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. But lenders today are offering rates well below that benchmark, making a refinance a no-brainer for many. But low rates are not the only motive for refinancing a home loan nowadays. The following are good reasons to consider a new home loan.

REFI FOR A LOWER RATE

The No. 1 reason to refi is to get a lower mortgage rate. Despite sinking rates, a lot of people haven’t refinanced. Many homeowners would like to refinance but can’t because they have little or no equity due to falling home values. Jim Sahnger, mortgage consultant for FBC Mortgage in Jupiter, Fla., said too many of his clients can’t refi for this reason. “But there are people who can, and some people who get so into whatever they’re doing that they don’t pay attention to the news and don’t pay attention to where rates are at,” Sahnger said. So Sahnger will call to tell them that rates are near record lows.

CONVERT AN ARM

Stability-hungry borrowers are ditching adjustable-rate mortgages and refinancing into fixed-rate loans. “Everybody’s frightened about inflation, so if they have an adjustable loan, that’s the number one reason they’re getting out with cash. So they cash out their first home service, trying to save money.” Why get rid of a loan with such a low of them,” said Jeff Lazerson, president of and take the cash and go down there and rate? Mortgage Grader, a lender based in Laguna don’t need a financing contingency, and CASH OUT TO BUY OTHER PROPERTY “Because they’re worried if five years Niguel, Calif. “It’s not because you can get they’re in a better position to bargain.” from now, what if that rate jumps up to 12 them at a better rate, but because you can They could also take out a mortgage on Lately, Lazerson has noticed an interesting (percent), 11 (percent), 13 percent?” Becker get them at a stable rate.” a paid-off property to start a business or for refinancing trend. said. Other borrowers swing from one hybrid other reasons. “One thing that’s a trend now is that ARM to another, said Matt Hackett, people are taking money out to purchase ADDRESS FAMILY MATTERS underwriting manager for Equity Now, a CASH OUT TO CONSOLIDATE DEBT other properties,” he said. direct mortgage lender based in New York Often, it’s to buy investment properties. Divorces often lead to refis as a means City. When house prices were rising by Refinancing to buy property can bring up of removing the absent former spouse from “We’ve done a few of those for people 10 percent or more a year, millions of unexpected tax and mortgage underwriting the note. who were in a five-year ARM that they borrowers got cash-out refinances. They issues. A lot depends upon how the refinanced “That has less to do with rates and is originated four years ago, that was getting refinanced for more than they owed, got house and the new property will be used. more about timing,” Lazerson said. ready to adjust,” Hackett said. cash, and spent or invested it. For example, which property will be the Moskowitz said he recently did a Even though the rates were about to The cash-out refi craze ended when the primary residence? Will the other property $110,000 cash-out refi from a woman who adjust downward, they got new 5/1 ARMs housing bust began. But there are still a be rented out? Those are issues for a financial used the money to bail out a son facing to extend low rates another five years. few cash-out refis. adviser or tax professional to untangle. foreclosure on his own house. “We’re still in the business of cashing That’s not how Moskowitz would spend GET A MORTGAGE ON A out people—paying off credit cards, CONSOLIDATE TWO MORTGAGES his money from a cash-out refi. But to anyone PAID-OFF HOUSE for example,” said Michael Moskowitz, who agrees with him, he said, “You’re clearly president of Equity Now. Some homeowners want to combine their not a mother.” n This isn’t technically a refi, but it’s close. Michael Becker, mortgage banker at first mortgage with the home equity line of Mortgage-free homeowners sometimes get Happy Mortgage in Lutherville, Md., credit. About the writer: Holden Lewis is a senior mortgages to put cash in their pockets. said, “It’s not like it was years ago, when “I’m seeing a lot of people, even if their mortgage analyst and editor at Bankrate.com. “There’s a lot of people who don’t have people took cash out to buy things, like rate on their home equity line of credit is a mortgage,” Hackett said. “Maybe they a pool, a car or an RV. It seems more to 3 percent, refinancing to get rid of them,” © 2014 Distributed by want to go to Florida, buy a second home be paying down debt, lowering their debt Becker said. Tribune Media Services 5 HOME SPACE

Attractive contemporary bunk beds might be the ideal solution for children or adults. BEFORE You Hire A Landscaper

by Kathryn Weber

Ready to hire help to spruce up your property this year? Before you dig too deeply into hiring a landscaping contractor, take time to do two things:

1. Be clear about what you want to achieve. If you only want yard work, check out companies that specialize in residential lawn services. If you want design or installation services, you’ll need a full service landscaper. These can plan and install patios and walkways, water features, drainage and erosion systems, retaining walls and other services. They can take a job from design to completion, or provide a plan that you carry out.

2. Gather your ideas. Be ready to offer as much detail about your preferences as possible. For inspiration, print, copy or tear out images from landscaping websites, magazines and books.

Now you are ready for initial conversations with several companies that are, hopefully, appropriately licensed, bonded and insured and have earned recommendations from friends or family or users of a trusted online review site. Keep in mind that while some companies offer free consultations, others charge but if hired will deduct the fee from the job price. Here are questions to ask prospective landscapers, compiled by my Angie’s List team and based on the experience of consumers and highly rated landscapers:

Can I see your plan? A drawing is the best way to be sure you can envision what a landscaper proposes. Ask each bidder to provide a design sketch. They may charge a fee if you want to keep it, but they should at least be able to let you see it. In addition, ask for photos of projects they’ve done that are similar to what you want. What’s your process? Ask about basic work practices and what materials and equipment would be used. For example, would they dig your patio out by hand or use machinery? BUNK What’s your experience? Make sure the contractor you hire has the experience, manpower and skill to handle your project. How long has the company been in business? Does it have an office in addition to a website? Ask for references and contact several. Consider visiting completed work. Relying on website photos alone isn’t a good idea, since you can’t be sure they weren’t purchased. Find out what kind of training the contractor and his or her staff have undergone. Do they belong to local, state or BEDS national landscaping associations? Bunk Beds Have Grown Up in Style, Function What’s your guarantee? Reputable landscaping contractors should be willing to guarantee their work for at by Kathryn Weber more overnight guests, an especially choice for multiple beds. least two years, preferably five. Ask about separate warranties helpful feature for vacation homes. Safety is another consideration. for plants. unk beds used to be the Lake, mountain, or beach getaways Whether children, teens or adults How well do you communicate? Ask each bidder for domain of the under-7 crowd, can always use extra beds so you will be using the beds, it’s important the best way to communicate so you’re likely to get a timely Bbut not anymore. In recent can truly declare, “The more, the that safety features, such as rails, are response. n years, bunk beds have grown up in merrier!” Depending on the size of included. Watch overhead space, style and function. More than just a the room, you can add four or even as well. Adequate clearance to sit © 2014 Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services way to create additional floor space, six beds to accommodate a crowd. up reduces the chance of a bruised bunk beds for adults can also offer noggin. If you plan to buy bunk privacy and even a touch of luxury. EFFICIENT DESIGN beds instead of creating built-ins, look for beds manufactured for ADAPTIVE STYLE Bunk beds for kids are often free- adults, as these will be able to standing and stick out into the room. accommodate the extra weight of Nowadays, many bunk beds are One of the hallmarks that sets adult an adult. built-in. This allows greater design bunk bed design apart is to align the Now it’s time to give those bunk detail and creates a more finished, beds on one side of the room. This beds some style. Decorate each as its refined look. Far from being the way, they blend into the décor and own individual space. Include stylish twin beds of old, contemporary free up space in the room. throw pillows, lighting, artwork and bunk beds can be more loft style a throw at the foot of the bed. and use a full-size, or even a queen GUIDELINES A recessed shelf or wall-mounted mattress. Upscale features like brass model could hold a glass of water or steps, metal rails and special lighting When considering adding adult a book. Add a hook to hold bathrobe help create a cozy, luxurious retreat bunk beds in your guest room, look and, lastly, consider privacy by add a for both the young and the young carefully at the space available. A curtain for screening. n at heart. standard size room is suitable for two Bunk beds for adults or teens bunk beds, while a larger room, such © 2014 Distributed by offer a great way to accommodate as an upstairs family room, is a good Tribune Media Services 6 HOME SPACE Keep Your House Cleaner by Parking Shoes at the Door by Kathryn Weber become so saturated with dirt that they surfactants (soap). Even some professional chemicals or allergens. Place good quality develop dark “lanes.” Small stains can also carpet services use soap-based cleaners. These doormats by every entrance to help trap dirt If you could do one simple thing to have a spread over time. products attract more dirt and actually make and debris. cleaner house, carpets that look like new, and carpets dirtier faster. Choose carpet cleaning By making some simple changes you less bacteria in your home, would you do it? FLOOR CLEANING products recommended by the Carpet and can have a cleaner home—and even cleaner All you have to do it remove your shoes before Rug Institute (www.carpet-rug.org). socks! n coming into the house. In addition to banning shoes in the house, Be sure to vacuum once or twice a week, have your carpets steam cleaned once or twice and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter or © 2014 Distributed by GROWING CUSTOM a year, and avoid carpet cleaners that use vacuum bag to trap lead dust and other Tribune Media Services

More and more Americans are making a habit of kicking off their shoes at the door. This is common practice in Hawaii as a way to keep sand out of the house, and widely popular in Asia. As Asian decorating and customs grab hold here, more and more homeowners now ban wearing shoes in the house.

More than just a nicety or custom, removing your shoes before entering a home makes good sense. After you tromp around city streets, buses and trains, public restrooms, stores, stairwells and countless corridors each day, your shoes collect bacteria and debris, which you then track inside. The dirt and germs get trapped in carpets.

EPA FINDINGS

If you’re still not convinced that wearing shoes in the house carries hazards, consider these findings from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In 1991, the EPA conducted a “Doormat Study” to measure the amount of lead dust in homes. The results showed that in homes where a doormat was added at the entrance and shoes were banned indoors, the incidence of lead dust and other chemicals in the home fell about 60 percent. Not only that, but in homes where shoes are removed, there was also a reduction in allergens and bacteria being tracked into the house. What’s more, dirty shoes soil carpets. Over time, heavily trafficked areas can

7 TRAVEL Top 10 Beach Activities AND WHERE TO DO THEM VirtualTourist.com low rainfall and mild currents allow excellent visibility, in some places up to 150 feet. As For many travelers, a vacation is only one of the saltiest seas in the world, a large a vacation if there is a beach on which to variety of endemic species can be found here, sunbathe. For others, activities are a must. including the bright yellow Masked Butterfly With this in mind, members and editors of fish, the Red Sea Flasher Wrasse and the travel website and community VirtualTourist. Picasso Triggerfish, which lives up to its name com prepared a list of the Top 10 Beach by resembling a picture of the painter. Activities and Where to Do Them. SWIMMING, VARADERO BEACH, CUBA SNORKELING, EL NIDO, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES Some VirtualTourist members called Varadero Beach the best beach in the El Nido, in the province of Palawan, Caribbean. With its sugary-white sandy is a quiet, little community that faces the beach, turquoise clear water and warm water sparkling sea and is cradled by a backdrop temperatures year round, it’s easy to see why. of dark, majestic limestone cliffs. Because it The calm waters make swimming here a is made up of 45 islands and islets, island- favorite pastime for all levels. hopping is very popular. Members noted that many of the areas offer some of the SAILING, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS best opportunities for snorkeling, walking off white sand beaches in to crystal-clear waters. If you’re looking to venture out in to the Rocks and corals can hurt your feet, so don’t open waters by sailboat, then British Virgin forget to bring and wear your best aqua shoes Islands is for you. With 25 jaw-dropping to avoid going home with cuts. islands in reach, checking out new land by boat has never been more fun. Whether FOSSIL HUNTING, LYME REGIS, DORSET you’re a first-time sailor, or a seasoned CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING, CANOEING, PEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR COAST, UNITED KINGDOM captain, consistent trade winds, long, sunny GLOVER’S REEF ATOLL, BELIZE days and beautiful views make BVI a sailor’s Pemba is a genuine, remote tropical island When a member first recommended paradise. Glover’s Reef Atoll is considered to be the just off the east coast of Africa. While there fossil hunting, we were a bit skeptical, prototypic atoll in the Caribbean and is also are amazing beaches, Pemba is most noted too, but travelers seeking an unusual beach SURFING, INCHYDONEY ISLAND, the best developed biologically. It contains for its unique mangrove swamps. For a great activity should consider visiting the Dorset COUNTY CORK, IRELAND the greatest range of reef type and is home to sense of adventure, VirtualTourist members Coast, home to the World Heritage Site, a variety of sea life, including three species of recommend hopping aboard a canoe and the Jurassic Coastline. Visitors to the beach County Cork has some of the most sea turtles, eight species of sharks and rays, exploring what nature has to offer. While have found a variety of amazing fossils, beautiful beaches in all of Ireland and the more than 20 species of aggregating reef fish floating along the endless channels, you’ll including giant marine reptiles, crinoids, beach on Inchydoney Island is no exception. and numerous species of coral. Fishing can watch rivers disappear deep into the bush and ammonites and even dinosaur remains. The It recently received Blue Flag status by the be enjoyed year-round, but because the area spot birds and fish endemic to the area. You’ll quantity and quality of finds over the last Foundation for Environmental Education, is now a marine preserve, it’s catch and release soon see why some say no other place in Africa 200 years have made Lyme Regis popular meaning it is acknowledged for its high only. Some fish you might encounter are can provide the same sense of adventure. n with explorers of every age. environment and quality standards. The bonefish, jacks, mutton snappers, yellowtails, endless beach and reliable tides make this a bonitos, cubera snappers, barracudas, king © 2014 Distributed by SEAPLANING, WHITEHAVEN BEACH, perfect place to learn to surf. mackerel, wahoo, groupers and permit. Tribune Media Services WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Whitehaven Beach offers some of clearest aqua waters and white sand beaches you will ever see. And to truly experience it VirtualTourist members recommend a seaplane adventure. By air, you will see some of the most amazing views of Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Your plane lands in the water where you practically jump from your seat in to the ocean to enjoy the warm waters.

PADDLE-BOARDING, BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Known as a luxurious honeymoon destination, few locales offer the bright blues and calm disposition of Bora Bora’s lagoon. The flat conditions are ideal for a first-timer, and paddlers frequently spot manta rays in the lagoon, since it has visibility up to 150 feet!

SCUBA-DIVING, SHARM EL SKEIKH, EGYPT

The reefs of Sharm el Sheikh in the Red Sea are a divers’ paradise. In addition to having relatively warm waters all year long,

8 RESTAURANT REVIEW

Comes to Plymouth by Kerby & Cristina Skurat you set foot into the restaurant, you’ll enjoy you can enjoy a lunch buffet ($9.99), or an authentic ambiance of Thailand, order off the full menu if you’re If you’re looking for a fun, authentic Thai with its artwork, place settings, craving that specific item. The restaurant then we’ve got the place for you! furniture and general décor. buffet has a variety of main Thai Table, located in southeast Plymouth No stone went unturned dishes, as well as a few off of 55 and 169 near Bachman’s, will hit in Muehleisen’s search different appetizers to the spot on your curry, pad Thai, or general to create a genuine enjoy. If you choose to Oriental food cravings. You’ll be able to Thai restaurant. enjoy a dish from the enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a relaxed The menu is full menu, be prepared for environment, even with true Thai music. of authentic Thai A LOT of food! The Len Muehleisen is the owner of Thai flavors, including Pad Thai, one of their Table (http://thai-table.com/about). After eight different kinds of most popular dishes, is puff, this delectable appetizer wanted you to the tsunami struck Thailand on December curry; the famous Pad topped with an addictive keep coming back for more! 26, 2004, Muehleisen traveled to Phuket, Thai noodles; 20+ items sauce and sprinkling of Thai Table has a huge gluten-free menu; Thailand, as a volunteer to help clear debris cooked on the Wok; dozens peanuts. It would have been over 40% of all items on their menu are and distribute money he’d raised to help of appetizers, soups, salads and enough to feed a family of four gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy an evening needy families there. Muehleisen endeared desserts; and a variety of beers, wines with its generous portions, but it around a Thai table. The lunch hour rush himself to the Thai people, and he continues and Thai drinks. Not sure how much spice made for fantastic leftovers. If you’re into was pretty busy, but the staff was fast in to travel to Thailand regularly. As soon as you can handle? Let the server know your curry, the Sweet Green Curry is the dish preparing items, creating the perfect balance spice level to get. Simmered in coconut milk with of a sit-down meal with co-workers during Food: 4.5 stars HHHHI (1-5) and if eggplant, bamboo shoots, sweet peas and bell the day. Repeat customers are commonplace you’re really peppers, this dish will give your mouth an at Thai Table, and virtually everyone in the Price: 4 stars HHHH adventurous, explosion of different flavors to enjoy. restaurant seemed to know exactly what they Atmosphere: 4.5 stars HHHHI ask for Thai The all-around favorite for our table was wanted. hot! the Cream Cheese Puff Wontons. They were Stop at Thai Table today to enjoy HHHHI During filled to the brim with cream cheese, and authentic Thai food without having to travel Overall Experience the weekday with the perfect balance of stuffing and pastry across the world to try it! n

WOLFGANG PUCK’S KITCHEN ThailandWelcome Spring with a Healthy Salad of Fresh Kale the ingredients evenly. Garnish Whisking continuously, slowly KALE’S CRINKLY DARK- Directions with Parmesan, if you like. drizzle in the olive oil to form Serves 4 a smooth emulsion. Season GREEN LEAVES PACK INGREDIENTS to taste with salt and pepper. Put the raisins in a small mixing Lemon Viniagrette AS MUCH HEALTHFUL • 1/4 cup golden raisins In a small nonreactive bowl, Use immediately or cover and bowl. Add hot water to the bowl NUTRIENTS AS THEY DO to cover the raisins completely. combine the lemon zest, refrigerate for up to 1 week. n • 1/4 cup pine nuts lemon juice, Dijon mustard ROBUST FLAVOR AND Set the raisins aside to soak and • 1 bunch organic kale, about 1/2 pound, plump up for 10 minutes. and sugar. Stir with a whisk © 2014 Distributed by TEXTURE. leaves rinsed with cold running water Meanwhile, put the pine nuts until thoroughly blended. Tribune Media Services in a small nonstick pan. Cook and thoroughly dried the nuts over low heat, stirring • 6 tablespoons Lemon Vinaigrette frequently, until they turn (recipe follows) golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a bowl and • Kosher salt set aside. • Freshly ground black pepper With a sharp knife, cut out the stems and tough ribs from • Freshly shaved Parmesan, for serving the kale leaves. In batches, (optional) stack the leaves, roll them up lengthwise, and cut them Lemon Viniagrette crosswise into strips 1/2 inch Makes about 1/2 cup wide. You should have about 8 cups packed of shredded kale. • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest Thoroughly drain the plumped raisins. • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice In a large bowl, combine the • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard kale, raisins and toasted pine nuts. Drizzle with the Lemon • 1 teaspoon sugar Vinaigrette and season to taste • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil with salt and pepper. Toss lightly but thoroughly. • Kosher salt Transfer the salad to • Freshly ground black pepper individual chilled serving bowls or plates, taking care to divide 9 HOME & GARDEN Eastern Redbud the Harbinger of Spring by Norman Winter

he harbinger of spring in much of the country is the native eastern redbud known botanically as TCercis canadensis. The eastern redbud is native to 31 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. That is a wide range for one of the showiest trees in the forest. Though we call it the eastern redbud, according to the USDA it is native as far west as New Mexico. You may be among those who always think about planting one or two when you see them blooming. Then when you get around to it, the garden centers are sold out. Make this the spring you get the job done because it is harder to find a more beautiful blooming tree for your home. With today’s urban landscape shrinking in size, you would be hard pressed to find a more suitable tree. The redbud works well in sun or dappled shade as an understory tree. At the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah they have shown to not only provide thousands of those rich rose purple blooms but they also display some great fall yellow color. But did you know there were selections with glossy leaves? Cercis canadensis var. texensis is the new botanical name for the plant known in the market place as the Oklahoma redbud. This selection is one of the finest you will find at the local garden center. Keep your eyes open also for the hottest redbud around, called The Rising Sun. It reaches about 12 feet in height with a rounded structure. It is blooming now with the gorgeous purple flowers but during the growing season it keeps putting on a terrific show with its flaming foliage. Last August I was seeing typical dark green heart-shaped leaves but with all new growth revealing yellow-gold, orange and apricot-red arching downward like they were the Roman candles of the plant world. No matter which variety you want, be ready to shop for redbuds early this year. Once you have yours, select a site with a lot of sun. This will give you the best blooming in the spring and leaf coloration. Don’t panic if you have a little afternoon shade; after all, you see them looking ever so picturesque at the forest’s edge. It is ideal to plant when trees are dormant, but I assure you if I find mine leafed out I am still buying and planting. This has really become the norm with today’s excellent container-grown stock. These great trees deserve to be planted in a fertile organic rich bed versus stuck in compacted clay in the middle of grass or lawn. Dig your hole two to three times as wide as the rootball but no deeper planting at the same depth it is growing in the container. This allows for the quickest root- expansion and acclimatization to your landscape. Typically, you think of a redbud in companionship with other spring bloomers like azaleas, dogwoods and spring flowering bulbs. This certainly works, but the vibrant summer colors of new selections like The Rising Sun means that you could use them in a tropical like setting where coarse textured foliage from elephant ears, cannas and bananas would create a stunning partnership. In fact, our showiest fall bed had the regular redbud with elephant ears and purple fountain grass. Your day of redbud joy is coming. The joy will be even greater if you have your own to admire. n

TOP: The eastern redbud with its gorgeous rose purple blossoms signals spring has arrived.

BOTTOM: The eastern redbud also has the ability to show out in the fall with golden yellow leaves. 10 Mail or Drop off this original to: Kerby & Cristina 2605 Campus Dr., Plymouth, MN 55441 Deadline for entries is: May 28, 2014

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11 Twin Cities Metro - Featured Listings

Plymouth’s NEWEST Listings ACTIVE

Kerby Skurat & Cristina Edelstein-Skurat

“ Our dream is to build the most trusted and referable real estate organization in the Twin Cities Metro while consistently delivering exceptional results with the highest customer experience through our expert team and innovative systems.” 763-550-9800 www.KerbyandCristina.com Success Story

“ I have had the pleasure to work with Kerby and Cristina during a home buying and selling experience. After searching online for an agent and reviewing their business strategy/model; I could not have chosen better. I am selling my home within 2 weeks of listing and moving cross country. They have shown me how strong of a team they are and I’ve had no luck finding an agent that can even compare to Kerby/Cristina. Your choice of partnering with them will be one that will leave you writing as kind of a review as possible; because they deserve it! Knowledgeable, maximizing technology to the fullest, and just a pleasure to work with. Thank you both for your patience during my selling and moving process.” – Lisa

Each office independently owned and operated. Not intended as a solicitation if you are under contract with another agent. 2605 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN 55441 May Plymouth Market Update (year-over-year)

Numbers courtesy of Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. For advertising questions please contact Ashley Todd, Marketing Coordinator, at 701-205-8521 or [email protected].